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At the Edge of the World
Tallassee, Tennessee, is a riverside community which has long attracted visitors
with its clean mountain lakes and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. Lately, it has been of particular interest to motorcyclists
because of its location near the famous Dragon motorcycle route.
The location is untrammeled and scenic. The picture shown above shows the Little
Tennessee River shown above from a spot less than five minutes away from
Tallassee Rental Cabins. US Hwy 129 follows the river -- whcih along the way
forms two lakes, Chilhowee and Tellico -- for about 10 miles and then begins
climbing the far ridge seen in the photo. This begins the Dragon, a section of
road that draws motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts from all over.
The setting at Tallassee is one that affords visitors a rural mountain experience
without separating them from
modern conveniences. Gas, beer, and deli items are less than half mile from the
cabins at the recently opened Tallassee (Heart of the Dragon) Store. About 16
miles away is Maryville, a medium-sized town with attractions such as a major
mall, a cinema. Maryville has a rich, downtown core with theaters, dining and
nightlife.
Driving directions
From Maryville, take 129/411 South. About 3 miles from Maryville, you will come
to a red light at an intersection where the routes diverge: 411 goes straig
and 129 goes to the left. Take 129 to the left.
After about 12 miles, the you will come to upper Tellico Lake on your left.
Begin looking for the Tallassee (Heart of the Dragon) Store. Turn
left onto the one-lane paved road that comes out at the store (Tallassee Road).
At the second fork, go straight, toward the sign that reads “Dead End.” After
about 200 yards, the road will take a hard turn to the left. There is a broad
shoulder on your right and the cabins are just down the hill from the shoulder. There is room to
park several bikes and large trailers on the shoulder.
From Deals Gap, take US. Hwy 129 (the Dragon) north. The road winds 11 miles through the
mountains and then drops down to Chilhowee Lake.
Once at the lak
e, it’s about 8
miles to the Chilhowee Dam and then less than two to the Tallassee (Heart of the
Dragon) Store. Turn right onto the paved, one-lane road that comes out at the
store (Tallassee Road). At the second fork, go straight, toward the sign that
reads “Dead End.” After about 200 yards, the road will take a hard turn to the
left. There is a broad shoulder on your right and
the cabins are just down the hill from the shoulder. There is room to park
several bikes and large trailers on the shoulder.
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